Prayers of Thanksgiving and Hope for an Anniversary Service

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

God of our past, we gather today to give thanks for the past.
We think back to those who first had a vision of a church in this place,
to those who put their names on a loan so it could come to happen,
to those who gave of their labour, their treasure, their time to make it happen.
And as we remember the efforts of the founders and builders we offer words of thanks and praise

God of growth, we remember too those who helped the new church to grow in wisdom and in faith.
And so we think of study group leaders, clergy, choir directors, Sunday School teachers, and many others who provided leadership.
We remember Elders, Stewards, Board and committee members, men and women who stepped forward to provide governance and leadership.
And for all these varied forms of leadership we are grateful.

God of community, we remember events that brought us together;
Ham Suppers, Fall Suppers, Bazaars, BBQs, potlucks, picnics and many more.
And for the gifts of friendship and fellowship we say thanks.
We think also of the many groups that have met in this space:
UCW, Scouts, CGIT, Guides, Mothers-Off-Duty, Hi-C, Mens Breakfast Club.
Groups that provided times of fellowship and times of growth in community.

And in this time of memory we take special note of Camp Freeman.
God of Creation, we give great thanks and praise for many weeks spent on the lakeshore as a community of faith.
For leaders young and old, for campers, for all who worked behind the scenes planning and preparing, for the wonder that is church camping we are wondrously grateful.

God of our present, on this day we remember all that led this congregation to this day.
For 55 years of ministry to and with this community, for 55 years of growing together in love, for all that has made us what we are now, we give you thanks, we give you praise.
Amen.

*A STATEMENT OF FAITH ABOUT THE CHURCH (insert—taken from A Song of Faith)

PRAYER OF HOPE

God of our present and our future, as we gather here today we look for hope.
The future is uncertain, we wonder what it will bring.
Fill us with a vision for what we could be.
Give us hope for our congregation and our community.
Help us find the choices that lead to life in abundance.

God of hope, in a time of uncertainty we so often fall into fear and worry.
Show us the opportunities in our chaotic world,
remind us to consider seriously where our priorities and loyalties lie,
push us to see how our choices matter, and then fill us with hope in a new heaven and a new earth.
God of our future, may we walk boldly into what may come, as people, not only of faith, but of hope.
May we share your hope and promise with the world in which we live.
Amen.